Florida State University (FSU) launched a crowd-funding website known as SparkFSU on February 9.  This initiative serves as an innovative way to raise funds for unique entrepreneurial projects created by faculty and students.  It lets donors select and support projects in any amount(s) that they decide.

According to SparkFSU’s website, this new platform “empowers Florida State’s best and brightest students and faculty to earn funding for initiatives that have the potential to shape not only the face of the University, but also the state, the nation and the world.  On SparkFSU, you will find a variety of emerging projects — all with varying funding goals and deadlines — that, when accomplished, will lend new insight, expertise and creativity to their respective fields.”

The current stage of SparkFSU is a pilot with five projects.  The FSU College of Communication & Information (CCI) plans to showcase several projects over the next year that will allow donors to selectively support student initiatives and entrepreneurial projects.  Additional projects will be added regularly, so please visit spark.fsu.edu/Projects to find the most current list.

FSU CCI chose STARS (Students & Technology in Academia, Research, & Service) as their first project to feature on SparkFSU.  STARS is an alliance of dedicated and engaged young professional students at FSU who work with the community to increase the participation of those who may be underrepresented in computing/information technology (IT) disciplines.  Their mission is to recruit students to become the next generation of IT professionals.  Efforts include visiting K-12 schools to educate students, teachers and parents about FSU’s academic programs in communication and IT, as well as to increase enrollment of minorities.

FSU CCI Dean, Dr. Larry Dennis, said, “I’ve personally worked with the FSU STARS students and believe they make excellent ambassadors for FSU.  They inspire middle and high school students with their enthusiasm, candor and personal accounts of college life.  Their outreach to elementary and middle schools excites and informs students of all ages about the outstanding programs at our College.  In the process these STARS students become more confident and motivated professionals when entering the workforce.”

FSU’s STARS Alliance has won numerous awards for its activities, which include both local (in Leon County) and statewide efforts.  In addition to student members presenting about IT and communication professions at various schools in Florida, STARS has: judged competitions and conference workshops, mentored K-12 student technology clubs, produced videos on the impact of STARS as well as about the IT/communication professions, and conducted communication, leadership and career training.

The programs provided to communities by STARS are increasingly popular and receive higher requests for visits from many more schools than there are available funds to visit.  Using the new SparkFSU online fundraising platform will help solve this problem by raising money towards their travel to new Florida school districts.  Donors can assist STARS in reaching more prospective students and further promoting CCI programs around the state by providing financial support.  By giving even a small amount that will be applied towards the transportation needs of STARS members, donors positively contribute towards future children and young adults becoming interested in the IT fields through mentorships, presentations, workshops, conferences and clubs.  This support is critical to ensure that CCI STARS students build the communication, teamwork and leadership skills needed for successful careers and to encourage new generations to follow in their footsteps.

FSU STARS student members took the initiative of applying to become the pilot project to use SparkFSU.  Their goal is to raise $12,000 in 45 days, which would be enough to cover six visits outside of the Tallahassee area.  This new fundraising platform allowed these students to work with their College dean to identify a project of importance to FSU, create the online site, solicit support from alumni, friends, parents and other interested parties, and to use any funds raised for the approved purpose.

To consider donating to STARS directly, please visit: spark.fsu.edu/Project/93.  Donations for this project will end on March 24, 2014. 

Learn more about STARS by visiting: give.cci.fsu.edu/greatest-needs/stars.  If you have any specific questions about this alliance, please contact CCI Associate Dean, Ebe Randeree, at (850) 645-5674 or Ebe.Randeree@cci.fsu.edu.